BMW has unveiled its fourth Vision Vehicle, the BMW Motorrad VISION NEXT 100. Following the BMW VISION NEXT 100, unveiled at the Munich in March, and the MINI VISION NEXT 100 and Rolls-Royce VISION NEXT 100, it is now the turn of the BMW Motorrad brand to present its vision of premium future motorcycle mobility for the coming decades.
BMW Motorrad’s VISION NEXT 100 is a striking piece of technology which looks half from the future and half from a Batman movie where our favorite superhero rides into the darkness of the night.
The key idea behind this BMW Motorrad Vision Vehicle is to create a pure, unbounded ride experience. In the future, the special sensation of freedom will be made possible by even greater connectivity between rider, bike and the outside world. The assistance systems in the BMW Motorrad VISION NEXT 100 will not only anticipate and advise when action is needed but also intervene, when required, to keep riders safe.
Protective clothing such as helmets and padded suits will no longer be needed. Instead, riders will simply be able to enjoy the sensation of absolute freedom. A key assistance system in this Vision Vehicle is the Self-Balancing mechanism, which keeps the motorcycle balanced both while in motion and while stationary, and prevents it from tipping over. This technology consequently allows all riders of any level of skill or expertise to keep on pushing boundaries for an ever more positive ride experience.
Information is exchanged between rider and bike largely via the smart visor. This spans the rider’s entire field of view and provides not only wind protection but also relevant information, which it projects straight into the line of sight as and when it is needed.
In terms of design and function, the BMW Motorrad VISION NEXT 100 takes its cues from various striking elements in the history of BMW Motorrad, adding a contemporary twist each time. The black frame triangle, for example, harks back to the first ever motorcycle by BMW Motorrad, the R32, made in 1923. Seen from the side the Vision Vehicle resembles a naked bike, with the ergonomics and seating position of a roadster. The forms and execution of the power unit resemble the traditional BMW boxer engine, but it is actually a zero-emission drivetrain.
all images courtesy of BMW Group